Things to do on Holidays in Reykjavik Iceland
Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland, as well as being the world’s northernmost capital. The population of the city is hardly around 200,000, and is the main hub of Iceland’s economic and government activity. Reykjavik was established as a small port by Norwegian and Celtic emigrants early in the 9th and 10th century. However it wasn’t before the 18th century that the site transformed itself into a proper town. Reykjavik is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and is a true representation of the culture and traditions of the island.
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The Golden Circle Tour is a popular tourist route that stretches from Reykjavik into Central Iceland and back. The tour provides a glimpse of the beautiful Icelandic countryside, as it provides an opportunity to the tourist to witness some of the most remarkable landmarks and wonders of the country.
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Perlan is a glass dome resting on five water tanks, and is one of the most important modern landmarks in the capital. The 25.7 meter high glass dome possesses a large exhibition space known as the Winter Garden, which has served as a venue for several concerts and expos throughout the years. The Perlan also has several shops, a café, restaurant and a museum inside its premises.
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Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having served as a meeting point for the chieftains of the region. The site is located on the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart. It was the center of country’s culture during the Iceland Commonwealth era.
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The region is also famous for its massive geothermal spa, known as the Blue Lagoon. It’s located in a lava field near Grindavik, which is 39 kilometers away from the city of Reykjavik. The warm waters of the site are known for curing skin diseases, particularly due to the rich of amount of silica and sulfur in them. The Blue Lagoon also operates a Research and Development facility, aimed at finding cures for skin diseases. The lagoon’s average temperature ranges from 37 – 39°C, and it’s water output is powered by the nearby Svartsengi Power Station.
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The city also provides a unique experience for those who love nightlife. Despite being a small town, the city comes to life on weekends, and is often known as the nightlife capital of the north. With most of the bars being located on the Laugavegur Street in Reykjavik downtown, the area tends to get crowded on weekends.
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Tjornin is a small lake that is located at the city centre and lies just next to the city hall. The name literally means 'The Pond' in Icelandic, and is also adjacent to a park named Hljomskalagardurinn.
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The city also has its own botanical gardens. Although these gardens neither match the size nor diversity of other such gardens in the world, but a short stroll through them can prove to be a pleasant experience.
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To the west of the city lies an island known as Grotta. Boats and other means of sea transportation are used for traveling between the two locations. The island is mostly deserted, but serves to be a good tourist spot.
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Hallgrímskirkja is the prime religious institution in the city. The church can easily be seen from a far, and is considered sacred by the local populace.
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Reykjavik is also home to the National Gallery of Iceland, which is one of the major centres of art in the country. The gallery includes several specimens of works by 19th and 20th century Icelandic artists.
